The Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) reports that, after becoming aware of the Johnson County Schools’ announcement, they sent a letter to the district, asserting that leaving the Biblical reference in the play is not a violation.

“There is no violation of the so-called ‘separation of church and state’ by allowing children to learn about theater and the origins of Christmas through participating in a stage version of this beloved program that contains the same religious elements as the television version…,” the ADF letter explains. “Given that courts have consistently held that schools may organize and sponsor Christmas programs and performances that include religious songs and study the historical origins of Christmas, there is no basis for the District’s decision to censor the religious aspects of ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas.’”

Matt Sharp of the ADF said that schools should not have to cater to these kind of complaints. “Are school officials going to start demanding that other classic productions, such as Shakespearean plays, be censored just because they contain religious references?” Sharp questioned.

The ADF offered legal assistance to the school district if the family who complained decides to file a lawsuit to prevent the school from performing the play.